{Autism and Asperger resources} Until recently, most autism groups concentrated their support on people with more visible and profound impairments. People with Asperger's (like me) are often not obviously impaired or handicapped. Despite that outward appearance, many Aspergians struggle, especially in their early years.

These organizations focus primarily on Aspergians

  • GRASP is the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership. Global name notwithstanding, GRASP is most active in USA. They run groups like AANE, and they are active online. Their website has a list of groups around the country. GRASP is headed by Michael John Carley, a well know Aspergian and advocate.
    666 Broadway, Suite 830
    New York, NY 10012
    646-242-4003

  • The Asperger Association of New England is one of the most active Asperger advocacy groups in the country. AANE organizes support groups for Aspergians of all ages and their family members. They sponsor workshops and hold an annual convention in the greater Boston area.
    85 Main Street
    Watertown, MA 02472
    617-393-3824

Here is a list of regional organizations with local events and meetings, provided to me in January 2008 by the folks at AANE and GRASP

  • Greater New York City area » AHA-NY — 4300 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage, NY 11714, 516-470-0360
    partners with GRASP — 666 Broadway, Suite 830, New York, NY 10012, 646-242-4003
  • New Jersey » ASPEN-NJ — 9 Aspen Circle, Edison, New Jersey 08820, 732-321-0880
  • Greater Philadelphia area » ASCEND — P.O. Box 531, Ardmore, Penn. 19003-0531, 610-449-6776
  • Local Philadelphia support group » GRASP
  • Central Pennsylvania » ASAN
  • Greater Baltimore area » ASAN
  • Greater Washington DC area » AAGW
  • Virginia Beach area » GRASP local Virginia Beach support group
  • Greater Toronto area » TAAProject — P.O. Box 23030, Toronto, ON M5N 3A8, Canada, 416-487-3600
  • Greater Chicago area » MAAP — P.O. Box 524, Crown Point, Ind. 46307, 219-662-1311
  • Local Chicago, Naperville, and North Central Illinois support groups » GRASP
  • Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area » GRASP local Iowa City support group
  • Greater Denver area » GRASP local Denver support group
  • Greater Salt Lake City area » GRASP local Orem/Provo support group
  • San Francisco Bay area » AASCEND — P.O. Box 591011, San Francisco, Cal. 94159, 415-248-1670
    partners with AUTASTICS — 303 Adams St. #409, Oakland, Cal. 94610, 510-444-4777
  • Greater Los Angeles area » GRASP local Los Angeles support group

Listservs/Newsgroups/Message boards

Several of the organizations above (ANI, AANE, GRASP, ASAN, AAGW) run their own listservs/message boards. In addition, here are some listservs/newsgroups/message boards that operate independently of organizations that meet in person:

Websites and blogs

IRC Chat Channels

#asperger           #autism

Organizations that accommodate all people on the spectrum, but are focused on the more autistic end…

  • Autism Network International is a self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people, run by autistic people. They have an annual conference and retreat called Autreat. Find them at
    P.O. Box 35448
    Syracuse, NY 13235-5448
    315-476-2462
  • Autism Speaks is the largest autism advocacy organization. They have chapters around the country. Autism Speaks holds walks and other fupndraising events year round.
  • Autscape (annual conference/retreat in the UK)
  • AutCom (civil/human rights and access to communication for autistic people)
    P.O. Box 429
    Forest Knolls, Cal. 94933
I'm moving toward fall with a full schedule, but I do have some spots left. And don't forget - you can sign up for my credit courses based on the ideas of Look Me in the Eye at www.elms.edu. My March 20 class has come and gone but I'll be back in the fall. If you'd like to put an event together, contact Sally Itterly, my speaking agent, at sitterly@thelavinagency.com.

July 26-7, San Francisco, CA

I will be attending the Weatherstone Fellowship review meeting where we will take the next steps to choose recipients of next year's Fellowship awards. Winners will be announced this fall. Read more about these fellowships here, on the Autism Speaks website.

Sept 1-2, Toronto

Join me at the “Genetic Risk Factors for Autism: Translating Discoveries into Diagnostics” symposium.

Sept 15, 2010, Dallas, TX

I'll be the keynote speaker for Dallas Metrocare Services at their luncheon fundraiser. Will you be in Dallas? Be sure and stop by if you are . . .


Oct 8, 2010, Waterloo, IL

I'll be the keynote speaker for Teacher's Institute at Monroe-Randolph Regional Office of Education

Oct 23, Chicopee, MA

Pam Victor and I will teach our next Asperger class. Graduate and continuing ed/professional development credit given. Register on the college website at www.elms.edu.


Nov 5, Staten Island, NY

Join me for the annual award dinner of the Eden II Center for Autistic Children at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island. For more information or tickets, please contact:
Ilene Rosen
Asst. Director of Development & Public Relations
Eden II Programs
150 Granite Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10303
(718)816-1422 x. 104


Nov 17, Worcester, MA

I'll be returning to speak at Worcester State College.

Mar 27, 2011, Iselin, NJ


I'll be the keynote speaker for ASPEN's annual conference at the Hilton Woodbridge. For more information see ASPEN - Asperger Syndrome Education Network at www.aspennj.org


* * *
Here is a link to order the original hardcover edition of Look Me in the Eye, bad language and all. http://bit.ly/LHslq

This link takes you to the revised and cleaned up paperback edition, in the current printing http://bit.ly/Opiz4
(c) John Elder Robison online at www.johnrobison.com